Actually, thats the case.
Many agreed that you couldn't find anything in Morrowind - Magic compass
Many agreed that Spears were exploits, buggy and made everything easy - No spears
Many complained that after a shortwhile one was godlike and no more challenges appeared in Morrowind - Level scaling
Many touted how there were so many useless skillls and how they didn't use half the weapons availible- all we are left with is Swords, Bows and maces in Oblivion.
Many said how exploitable enchanting multiple peices of armor was in morrowind - less armor. less pieces, and enchanting threshold.
So Bethesda didn't do all of that stuff to get people mad?
It's kind of funny how things work out, people ask for something, get it, and complain.
[Blatant Sarcasm]
If only there was some sort of tool where those people can change the game in any way they want.
[/Blatant Sarcasm]
I don't mind if there are spears or not. Or crossbows, if that's the case.
I didn't use spears in Morrowind, I like one-handed swords more. I like being able to use a shield, so no spears in Oblivion doesn't matter to me. I didn't use bows crossbows in Morrowind, but I ended up using a bow for the occasional Dark Brotherhood quest or picking people off from on top of a building, so no crossbows didn't change my view on Oblivion.
EDIT:
Spoiler Be nice, people! This is supposed to be about spears, not what the difference between irony and sarcasm is.